NPFL19 MD12: Enyimba edge Sunshine to maintain playoff spot

Enyimba overcame a late scare to
secure a 2-1 win at home against visiting Sunshine Stars of Akure in a Matchday
12 fixture in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) played at the
Enyimba Stadium, Aba.

The hosts put themselves in a
comfortable position after goals from Dare Olatunji and Ifeanyi Anaemena in the
29th and 70th minute respectively, but were left to fight hard to preserve the
win, as the visitors put up a late performance in the final quarter hour, and
scoring in the process through Israel Abia.

Enyimba head coach Usman Abd’Allah
handed Joseph Osadiaye his second start of the season, and included Chinedu
Udechukwu upfront, and named Ikechukwu Ibenegbu on the bench. It was the first
time the former Warri Wolves playmaker made a matchday squad for the People’s
Elephant after months on the sidelines.

The visitors reworked their squad
that was defeated 1-0 by Rangers in Enugu last Sunday, with Tayo Fabiyi
replacing Esosa Igbinoba.

Enyimba could have been in front just
30 seconds into the game, but Kabiru Dogo’s side had goalkeeper Ayo Ojo to
thank for rushing off his line to block Udechukwu’s effort. The goalkeeper was
called to action again on 10 minutes and he was alert enough push Thomas
Zenke’s low shot to safety.

Sunshine Stars’ first only sight at
goal in the first half was on 14 minutes, when Abia’s 20-yard effort was
gathered by Enyimba goalkeeper Fatau Dauda. The hosts took the lead just before
the half hour mark, when Olatunji’s left-footed strike curled past Ojo. Enyimba
were the most threatening as the half came to an end.

The seven-time league champions
doubled their advantage in the 70th minute, when Anaemena converted a spot
kick. The assistant referee had earlier flagged that Sunshine Stars defender
Gabriel Olalekan impeded Osadiaye’s header inside the penalty box with his
hand.

The visitors pulled one back on 75
minutes, when Abia rose highest to head home Adeniyi Alaba’s cross, urging his
teammates to fight to the death.

Enyimba would have Ghanaian import
Dauda to thank, as the goalkeeper made timely intervention on several occasions
to frustrate Sunshine Stars’ advances, as the hosts managed to secure the win.

The win means Enyimba keep their
place as second in Group A with 19 points, three adrift of MFM, while Sunshine
Stars slip to eighth position.